Folding device for a bow weapon, method of manufacturing a folding device for a bow weapon, and bow weapon

ABSTRACT

A folding device for an archery weapon, in particular for a crossbow, includes a shaft connecting section, having two limbs, each of which has a free end and a shaft-side end pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section, with two locking pawls, each of which is pivotably mounted on the shaft-side end of the shaft connecting section, which are each pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section. The pawls are pivotably arranged in such a way that the limbs can each be secured in a closed position of the respective pawls for unfolding and/or clamping a bow and in an open position of the respective pawls the limbs are each released for folding.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the priority benefit of German Patent Application Number 102021002959.3, filed Jun. 9, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a folding device for an archery weapon, in particular for crossbows, a method for manufacturing of such a folding device, and an archery weapon comprising such a folding device.

BACKGROUND

Bow weapons exist in fixed, demountable and foldable configurations, and are used for a wide variety of applications, for example in shooting sports. Although the present invention and the underlying problem are described with reference to a crossbow, they are not limited thereto, but they are transferable to a wide variety of types of bow weapons.

A crossbow is usually a comparatively bulky bow weapon due to its extension in two spatial directions, which makes transport in particular, but also storage, more difficult. The elongated shape is due to the limbs running quasi-perpendicular to the barrel. Due to this fact, the crossbow can only be transported to a limited extent in conventional transport containers such as boxes or the like, or only in specially designed transport containers, without disassembly into individual parts.

Alternatively, the crossbow can be disassembled for transport or storage. However, disassembling the crossbow into its individual parts entails carrying tools and potentially time-consuming and complex assembly, disassembly and, if necessary, adjustment procedures. It is therefore desirable to reduce the volume required to transport and store a crossbow in order to facilitate transport.

Document GB 2131706 A discloses a foldable crossbow, which enables folding the limbs to the barrel. For this purpose, the crossbow is formed with two pivotally mounted limbs. Disadvantageously, the release of the limbs is controlled by a lever mechanism attached to the front end of the crossbow shaft. This additional lever mechanism attached to the shaft has negative effects on the size and weight of the crossbow, the complexity of operation, and in particular on the unfavourable weight distribution of the crossbow towards the end of the shaft. In addition, due the lever mechanism it is only possible to lock or release the limbs together or simultaneously, which makes handling more difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art. One of the ideas of the present invention is to provide an improved folding device and a method of manufacturing the same.

Accordingly, some aspects of the present invention provide:

-   -   A folding device for an archery weapon, in particular for a         crossbow, comprising a shaft connecting section, having two         limbs, which each have a free end and a shaft-side end pivotably         mounted on the shaft connecting section, comprising two pawls,         which are each pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting         section, wherein the pawls are pivotably arranged in such a way         that the limbs are each secured in a closed position of the         respective pawls for unfolding and/or clamping a bow, and that         the limbs are each released for folding in an open position of         the respective pawls.     -   A method of manufacturing a folding device for a bow weapon, in         particular a crossbow, comprising the steps: Providing a shaft         connecting section, two limbs, two limbs receiving means, two         locking pins and two pawls; fastening the locking pins to the         limbs receiving means; pivotably linking the limbs receiving         means to the shaft connecting section; pivotably linking the         pawls to the shaft connecting section offset from the limb         receiving means in such a way that the pawls can be brought into         engagement with a respective pawl fastened to the limb receiving         means; and fastening the limbs to the limb receiving means.     -   A bow weapon, in particular a crossbow, comprising a shaft; and         comprising a folding device according to the invention or         manufactured according to a method according to the invention,         which folding device is connected to the shaft by means of the         shaft connecting section.

One idea on which the present invention is based is that the folding of the limbs of a bow weapon is realisable without the use of additional levers attached to the shaft.

One idea on which the present invention is based is therefore to link the limbs not to the shaft itself, but to a shaft connecting section, and to enable the folding process or the release or fixing of the respective limbs by means of pawls linked to the shaft connecting section.

Advantageously, this results in a significantly simplified handling of a bow weapon comprising such a folding device according to the invention. This applies both in the folded state, since the folding device has a much smaller overall size, and in the unfolded or cocked state, since the securing means can be released by direct actuation of the limbs themselves. Thus, a bow weapon having the folding device according to the invention can be folded more easily, and thus a bow weapon comprising the folding device according to the invention can be packed, stowed and/or transported more easily when the limbs are folded.

In particular, according to one aspect, this enables less weight, since no additional attachments, such as levers, knobs and/or rails, are required for unfolding, folding, fixing and/or releasing the limbs. All this is replaced by a much more compact pawl mechanism. In addition, by avoiding the need for additional attachments, the folding device is also less costly to maintain. The lesser number of parts also facilitates manufacturing.

Particularly advantageously, no adaptations of a conventional shaft are necessary according to the invention. The folding device can simply be mounted on a conventional shaft with the shaft connection section instead of a conventional fixed bow.

The assembly and disassembly of a string, which proves to be laborious and problematic in conventional crossbows without a folding device, is considerably simplified by folding both or one of the limbs. The string is mounted on the free end of the limbs, e.g. hooked in, when the limbs are ready for folding. In a subsequent step, the limbs can then be unfolded and secured with the locking pawls, in particular automatically. The assembly of the string can therefore be carried out without additional tensioning aid or similar aids and can also be carried out in particular by a single person.

In particular, the shaft connecting section forms a platform on which, among other things, the limbs and the pawls are pivotably mounted. The shaft connecting section is any type of construction suitable for holding the limbs and pawls, on which a shaft can be mounted.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the folding device can be combined with any type of shaft, barrel or guide of a bow weapon. Due to the design of the shaft connection section, there are no special requirements for the component on which and/or in which the shaft connection section is mounted and/or integrated. Finally, the connection can be realised by any kind of fastening means, rails, clamps or the like.

The invention is thus applicable to a variety of bow weapons in addition to crossbows. For example, a combination with a centrepiece, grip and/or guide shaft of a sporting bow, for example a reflex bow or a compound bow, or with the base of a bow catapult, ballista or the like would also be conceivable.

In particular, the closed position of the pawls is selected in such a way that in this position the use of the folding device in combination with a string and a shaft of a bow weapon for throwing an arrow is advantageously possible.

The method for manufacturing the folding device is in particular an assembly method or a method for assembling a folding device.

Advantageously, the comparatively small number of parts without deflection elements or the like and the correspondingly low complexity of the steps to be carried out result in a very manageable method for manufacturing the folding device which can be carried out by a single person.

Advantageous designs and further embodiments result from the further dependent claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the limbs can be folded in a predetermined direction. When the bow is unfolded, the pawls can be released by means of a movement of the limbs against the predetermined direction for pivoting from the closed position to the open position. In this way it is possible for the user to bring the folding device from a state with unfolded limbs into a state with folded limbs. The limbs themselves are thus used as a lever to swing the pawls against the predetermined direction, and finally to release them. In this way, advantageously, no additional levers are necessary. The limbs can be pivoted about a secured axis in the predetermined direction and are thus movable in particular only in one degree of freedom. In further embodiments, the limbs can also be pivoted in the predetermined direction using a different kinematic system, for example a trapezoidal link arrangement, or the like. The limbs can each be moved individually, so that the force required for this is lower. The force required to swing the limbs against the predetermined direction depends on several factors, such as whether a string is mounted, the stiffness of the limbs themselves, their possible pre-tensioning by the string, and the like. The force can for example be applied manually by the large lever or the distance between the free end of the limb and the shaft-side end pivotally mounted on the shaft connection section.

According to one embodiment, the pawls are formed as a profile, the profile having an actuation area which allows the pawls to be manually pivoted against the predetermined direction, for example with the fingers or a tool. The actuation area thus provides a manual, in particular hand-operated, engagement surface for actuating the pawls.

According to one embodiment, the pawls have a U-shaped cross-section. A central web of the U-shape covers an engagement section with the limbs in the closed position, so that pinching of body parts of a user is advantageously excluded. Furthermore, the pivoting bearing of both the pawls and the limbs is covered, and the movable components are thus protected, for example, from external influences and from dirt during operation of the bow weapon. Overall, a high degree of operational and functional securing is thus provided.

According to an advantageous embodiment, securing elements are provided for securing the limbs when the bow is unfolded. The securing elements serve to secure the limbs against an unwanted movement against the predetermined direction. The securing elements can be configured as securing pawls or alternatively, for example, as securing pins, securing pins, or the like. In the case of securing pawls, the securing elements are in particular pivotably mounted on the shaft connection section. Due to the additional securing provided by the securing elements, injuries and interruptions in operation caused by an unintentional folding of the limbs can be avoided, so that the user of the bow weapon is additionally secured. Advantageously, the securing elements serve as an additional securing concept which does not interfere with the use of the rest of the folding device. Thus, a particularly simple securing concept is created and yet the simple operability is maintained.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the securing elements are configured to swivel independently of each other. The independent design of the two securing elements makes it possible to secure or release the respective limbs individually by means of the respective locking pawls. For example, when mounting the string of a bow weapon, only one of the two limbs can be secured in the unfolded state by the associated pawl and secured by the associated securing element, while the string is safely pretensioned when the other limb is unfolded.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a spring is provided on each of the pawls. The springs each exert a pre-tension on the respective pawl. This pre-tension causes the pawls to automatically engage in the closed position when the limbs are unfolded against the predetermined direction. Thus, the limb is automatically secured by the pawl during unfolding. The spring can be configured as a versatile elastic element, for example as a torsion spring, compression spring, tension spring or the like. In this way, the user is supported in the handling when unfolding the limbs, and a particularly safe use of the folding device is provided.

According to a further embodiment, the limbs can be swivelled independently of each other for folding and unfolding. Advantageously, this facilitates handling of the bow weapon, for example when mounting a string. In particular, handling for stringing is simplified, since only a first of the two limbs is folded in the unfolded state and the string is only pre-tensioned by unfolding the second limb. Thus, the shaft can be held with one hand and the second limb can be tensioned directly with the other hand without having to hold the string with the hand. This simplifies the tensioning of the string by a single person.

According to a further embodiment, the pawls can be swivelled independently of each other. This is advantageous because it facilitates the tensioning of the string as already mentioned. Furthermore, the user can concentrate on the respective limbs individually when unfolding the limbs, as the pawls engage independently of each other.

According to a further embodiment, the limbs are each pivotably mounted on the shaft connection section by means of a limb holder. In this way, the respective limbs can be maintained or exchanged without further disassembly of the folding device, for example in order to provide different tension weights and/or bow tension widths. In addition, it is possible for the user to exchange the limbs without great effort for adapting the folding device to different shafts or different extension lengths. The exchange of the limbs is carried out in particular only by loosening a fastening means, which fixes the limbs in the limbs receiving means. For this purpose, the fastening means can be configured as any kind of non-positive and/or positive connection, for example as a screw connection.

According to one embodiment, the limb receiving means are formed with a recess for receiving the respective limbs and/or locking pins. In one embodiment, for example, the limb receiving means essentially have a double-T cross-section. In this case, the limbs are secured in particular to the central web of the limbs. For example, they are positively received or enclosed between the arms or flanges of the cross-section. In particular, they are secured to the strings with a fastening means.

According to a further embodiment, the locking pawls and the securing elements can each be engaged by means of the same locking pin secured in the respective throw receivers. The locking pin and the engagement positions are easily visible from the outside, so that the securing means can be easily recognised visually, which increases securing in use. In addition, the number of parts and also the weight of the folding device is advantageously reduced by the respective engagement of the locking pawls and securing elements on the same locking pin. The locking pins for example extend through recesses in the arms or flanges of the respective limb receiving means and are secured therein. The locking pins can be configured, for example, as screws, pins or pins.

According to a further embodiment, the shaft connecting section is configured to be connected to a shaft of a bogey weapon, in particular a crossbow. For this purpose, the shaft connecting section is for example formed as a hollow profile, particularly in some embodiments as a U-profile. This creates a particularly advantageous starting position for mounting on an elongated shaft, barrel or guide.

According to one embodiment of the method, a step of pivotally linking two securing elements to the shaft connecting section is provided. The securing elements are hinged in such a way that they can also be brought into engagement with one of the locking pins attached to the limb receiving means. Advantageously, the securing elements serve as an additional securing concept independent of the pawls. In addition, the respective pawls and shear elements engage in the same locking pin. Thus, with regard to the number of parts, the procedure for manufacturing the folding device is simplified.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the pawls are each placed on a first side, and the securing elements are each placed on a second side of the limb receiving means. In particular, the first side is an inner side within an intermediate space receiving the limb. Alternatively or additionally, the second side is an outer side outside the intermediate space. In some embodiments, the placement is performed such that the locking clinics are engaged with the locking pin at two positions. Furthermore, the securing element is placed on an outer side to facilitate the user in locking and unlocking and in identifying the security state.

According to a further embodiment of the method, the locking pins are each secured in recesses in the limb receiving means. In particular, they extend through the recesses. Advantageously, the locking pins are integrated within a further component, in particular the limb receiving means, wherein no additional mounting is required. This reduces the weight of the folding device and the complexity of the manufacturing process. Finally, the fixing of the locking pin, for example, can be realised with a screw nut in the case of a design as a screw or screw pin.

The above embodiments and improvements can be combined with each other as desired, if it makes sense. In particular, all features of the folding device can be transferred to the method for its manufacture and to a weapon comprising such a folding device, and vice versa. Further possible embodiments, further improvements and implementations of the invention also comprise combinations of features of the invention described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiment which are not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the skilled person will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments given in the scheuratic figures of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a folding device;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a folding device according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the folding device according to FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the folding device according to FIGS. 2 and 3 ;

FIG. 5 shows the folding device according to FIG. 4 , having a released limb;

FIG. 6 shows the folding device according to FIG. 4 , having a folded limb;

FIG. 7 is an isometric exploded view of a folding device; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a bow weapon.

The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention, thereby illustrating embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serving to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Further embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will be apparent from the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

In the figures of the drawing, identical elements, features and components that have the same function and the same effect are each given the same reference numbers, unless otherwise stated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a folding device 1 having a reduced number of components.

The folding device 1 comprises a central shaft connecting section 2, two limbs 3, two pawls 4 and two locking pins 11. It is therefore a folding device with a reduced number of components.

The shaft connecting section 2 is configured both for a connection to the shaft and for central pivotable positioning of the other components. For this purpose, the pawls 4 and the limbs 3 are each pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section 2, as symbolised by the connecting circles drawn in FIG. 1 . The locking pawls 4 and the limbs 3 are mounted offset to each other on the shaft connecting section 2.

The locking pins 11 are connected to the respective limbs 3. The pawls 4 are pivotably arranged in such a way that they can engage in the pawls 11 connected to the limbs 3.

When a pawl 4 engages in the respective locking pin 11, the pawl is in its closed position, and the associated limb 3 is secured for unfolding and/or clamping a bow. If the pawl 4 is moved out of engagement and into an open position 6, the limb 3 is released again for folding.

The folding device 1 and the components thereof are mirror-symmetrically arranged around the mirror axis as is indicated in FIG. 1 . The reference numbers of the mirror-symmetrical components are additionally marked with an “a” for better clarity.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a folding device 1 according to a further embodiment.

This embodiment of a folding device 1 comprises a central shaft connecting section 2, two limbs 3, two locking pawls 4, two locking pins 11, two securing pawls 8 and two limb receiving means 10. The functional relationship between limbs 3 and pawls 4 is the same as has been described with respect to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 1 also shows a predetermined direction 7 in which the limbs 3 can be folded. When the bow is unfolded, the pawls 4 can also be released by moving the limbs 3 against the predetermined direction 7 in order to pivot from the closed position 5 to the open position 6.

The shaft connection section 2 is, in addition to a central U-profile for connection to a shaft, also configured for mounting of the other components. Only as an example, the shaft connection section 2 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to have the shape of a U-profile. In further embodiments, other profiles, in particular hollow profiles, would also be conceivable for connecting the shaft.

The pawls 4, limb receiving means 10 and securing pawls 8 are pivotably mounted on the two opposite legs of the U-profile on the respective outer side. The pawls 4 and securing pawls 8 are mounted offset to the limb receiving means 10 on the shaft connection section 2. The pawls 4 and securing pawls 8 are pivotably mounted at a common pin on the shaft connection section 2 at the same point one above the other. Separate pins are provided for the pivotable mounting of the limb receiving means 10.

In addition, two optional string stoppers 12 are mounted on the shaft connection section 2 for purely illustrative purposes. The string stoppers 12 are mounted on extensions in the predetermined direction of the opposite legs.

The limbs 3 have a curved shape which is usual for bow weapons, and which supports a harmonious course of a neutral fibre. Furthermore, a string which is attached to the limbs under tension is moved behind the limbs 10 in this way. The limbs 3 are curved in such a way to run substantially parallel to the course of the string at their free end and at their shaft-side end. In between, the limbs 3 each run in the form of a sloping curve.

In addition, the folding device 1 has a projectile guidance 13 which is firmly connected to the web of the shaft connection section 2. Two fastening means 14, exemplarily in the form of screws, are provided on the web at the side of the projectile guidance 13 for fastening to the shaft. The projectile guidance 13 has a flat surface with a groove arranged centrally between the vertical legs of the shaft connection section 2 in order to guide a projectile in the direction of firing.

In the embodiment shown, the securing elements 8 are, as an example, securing pawls. The securing pawls are pivotably mounted at their shaft-side end on the shaft connection section 2. The free end is hook-shaped in such a way that it can be positively engaged with the respective locking pin 11. In this way, the respective limb receiving means 10 and limbs 3 are secured in the unfolded state against an unwanted movement against the predetermined direction 7, which would release the pawls into the open position 6. In further embodiments, however, this function of the securing elements 8 can also be achieved by components which are configured in a different way.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the folding device 1 according to FIG. 2 .

As can be seen from this view, the free ends of the limbs 3 are specially configured to receive a string. The free ends therefore have a tapered shape to receive the loop ends of the string.

The limbs 3 are secured by two fastening means 15, which are in this case cap screws as an example, to a central web of the cross-sectionally double-T-shaped limb receiving means 10. In the embodiment shown, two fastening means 15 are provided to fix the limbs 3 in translation and rotation. In addition, the limbs 3 are positively received between and enclosed by the flanges of the limb receiving means 10.

In the embodiment shown, the locking pawls 4 are U-shaped in cross-section, and are also arranged between the flanges of the limb receiving means 10. Due to their U-shape, the pawls 4 engage with the locking pins 11 at two points simultaneously. The locking pins 11 are secured in recesses of the limb receiving means 10. In addition, as is shown in the Figure, the engagement of the pawls 4 and securing elements 8 can be seen on the same locking pin 11 in each case. The engagement point of the securing elements 8 in the locking pin 11 is located outside the limb receiving means 10, and is therefore easily visible to the user. The engagement points of the locking pawls are protected inside the limb receiving means 10 in order to avoid injuries and contamination.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the folding device 1 according to FIGS. 2 and 3 .

The folding device 1 is shown in a cross-section approximately halfway up the limbs 3.

In the embodiment shown, the limbs 3 are connected to the web of the limb receiving means 10 by two fastening means 15. In addition, the pivotable mounting of the limbs 10 to the shaft connection section 2 by means of corresponding bearings 18 is shown.

The pawls 4 are configured in the shape of U-profiles, and are—in their closed position 5—positively connected to the locking pin 11 by a hook 17 which partially engages behind the locking pin and which is formed with a recess inside the pawl 4.

An actuation area 16 is formed at the free end of the respective pawl 4 for manual pivoting of the pawls 4. In addition, the pivotable mounting of the pawls 10 to the shaft connection section 2 by means of respective bearings 18 is shown.

For the pivotable mounting of the respective limb receiving means 10 and pawls 4, the folding device 1 has two bearings 18 on each side, on which the limb receiving means 10 and pawls 4 are pivotably received with a pin. In the embodiment shown, the bearings 18 are configured as sleeves, as an example. As shown, the bearings 18 are attached vertically, i.e. perpendicularly to the course of the limbs 3, to the shaft connecting section 2, in this case purely by way of example by means of a material bond by means of welding.

FIG. 5 shows the folding device 1 according to FIG. 1 having a released limb 3.

In contrast to the illustration according to FIG. 4 , the upper limb 3 in the illustrated position of the associated pawl 4 is moved against the predetermined direction 7 and the pawl 4 is thereby released.

By moving the limb 3 against the predetermined direction 7, it is also possible to move the pawl 4, exemplarily by a manual actuation of the actuation area 16, also against the predetermined direction 7. Consequently, the hook 17 no longer engages positively in the locking pin 11, and the limb 3 is released from the pawl 4 for folding.

The upper pawl 4 is therefore in its open position 6. A requirement for the illustrated movement of the limb 3 against the predetermined direction 7 is that the upper securing element 8, shown in FIG. 2 , is not engaged with the locking pin 11.

FIG. 6 shows the folding device 1 according to FIG. 4 , with the limb 3 folded.

The limb 3 is now folded in the predetermined direction 7. The pawl 4 and the securing element 8 are not engaged with the limb. The lower limb 3 can be folded in the same way in order to transport or store the folding device 1 or a corresponding bow weapon.

By moving the limbs 3 from the folded position against the predetermined direction 7, the bow can be unfolded again or mounted with the string hooked in.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric exploded view of a folding device 1.

To ensure that the pawls 4 automatically engage when the limbs 3 are unfolded, a spring 9 is provided on each of the pawls 4.

In the embodiment shown, the spring 9 is configured as a torsion spring, and is located inside a spring retainer 19 which is supported on the respective pawl. In order to apply a pre-tension, the springs 9 in the assembled state rest with one end on the spring holder 19, and with the other end on the shaft connection section 2. In this way, the springs 9 exert a pre-tension on the respective pawls 4. This pre-tension causes the pawls 4 to automatically engage in the closed position 5 when the limbs 3 are unfolded against the predetermined direction 7, as soon as the limbs 3 are unfolded or stretched far enough.

For manufacturing the folding device 1, the respective pawls 4 and securing elements 8 are pivotably attached to the shaft connecting section 2 by means of the bearings 18, here exemplarily one above the other and by means of the same fastening means 26, which here are exemplarily configured as screw bolts with associated screw nut 27. Similarly, the limb receiving means 10 are offset from the pawls 4 and securing elements 8 by means of fastening means 28, which are in this case, as an example, also screw bolts, and are hinged pivotably by means of the bearings 18 on the shaft connection section 2. In addition, the respective locking pins 11 are guided through the recesses of the limb receiving means 10 and are then fastened. The pawls 4 are each placed on an inner side within an intermediate space accommodating the limb, and the securing elements 8 are each placed on an outer side outside the intermediate space of the limb receiving means 10.

The locking pins 11 are each secured in recesses in the limb receiving means 10, for example by passing through the recesses.

The securing elements 8 are hinged to the shaft connection section 2 in such a way that they can be engaged in the locking pins 11. The pawls 4 are received within the legs of the limb receiving means 10 in such a way that the respective hook 17 can be engaged with the locking pin 11.

The fastening of the limbs 3 within the limb receiving means 10 is accomplished by means of the fastening means 15, which are in this case screws. The fastening means 15 are attached to the shaft-side end of the limbs 3 with the respective limbs receiving means 10, here for example through throughholes provided in the limbs.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a bow weapon 20.

As shown in the depicted embodiment, the bow weapon 20 is made up of several components. The shaft 21 is the component which connects all the main assemblies to each other. It has an elongated shape consisting of a front shaft and a buttshaft. The front shaft is configured to receive several components, including the folding device 1 by means of the shaft connection section 2. The connection can be accomplished by any kind of fastening means, rails, clamps or the like. For example, the shaft connecting section 2 is screwed to the shaft 21. The assembly of the folding device 1 by means of the shaft connecting section 2 on the bow weapon 20 is therefore easy to carry out.

The buttshaft, here for example a full shaft, is shaped to support and stabilise the bow weapon 20 when in use. The buttshaft may also be implemented as a folding or retractable shaft, and is formed for support in the shoulder region of a user. In addition, a trigger 22, a follower 23 and a sight 24 are provided for use of the bow weapon. The trigger 22 is mounted on the underside in the centre of the shaft 21 and can be operated by the user, for example with the finger. The follower 23, which is configured to receive the string, is released by means of the trigger 22. When the limbs 3 are unfolded and the string is clamped in the nut 23, the string is released by actuating the trigger 22 in order to load projectiles, in particular arrows, in the direction of fire 25. The sight 24 is located approximately opposite the trigger 22 on the upper side centrally on the shaft 21. Depending on the application of the bow weapon 20, the alignment of the firing direction 25 can be specified by means of the sight 24.

Although the present invention has been fully described above on the basis of exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto, but can be modified in a variety of ways.

For example, other types of fasteners can be used in addition to screws, of course.

Furthermore, the shape of the limb receiving means 10 in particular can be different from the shape as shown. For example, instead of a double T-profile shape, the limb receiving means can also have a U-profile shape or any other shape suitable for pivoting limb receiving means.

Furthermore, various designs of the pawls 4 are conceivable. For example, instead of the hooks 17, other types of connection can be used, such as a snap connection or screw connection. It would also be conceivable to divide the pawl 4 into two components in order to realise the form-fitting enclosure of the locking pin 11 with two parts.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   1 Folding device -   2 Shaft connecting section -   3, 3 a Limb -   4, 4 a Locking pawl -   5, 5 a Closed position -   6 Open position -   7 Predetermined direction -   8, 8 a Securing element -   9, 9 a Spring -   10, 10 a limb receiving means -   11, 11 a Locking pin -   12, 12 a string stopper -   13 Projectile guidance -   14, 14 a Fastening means -   15, 15 a Fastening means -   16, 16 a Operating range -   17, 17 a Hook -   18, 18 a Bearing -   19, 19 a Spring retainer -   20 Bow weapon -   21 Shaft -   22 Trigger -   23 Nut -   24 Sight -   25 Firing direction -   26 Fastening means -   27 Screw nut -   28 Fastening means 

1. A folding device for a bow weapon, comprising: a shaft connecting section, two limbs, each having a free end and a shaft-side end pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section, and two pawls which are each pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section, wherein the pawls are pivotably arranged in such a way that the limbs each are fixable in a closed position of the respective pawls for unfolding and/or tensioning a bow, and that the limbs are each released in an open position of the respective pawls for folding.
 2. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the limbs are foldable in a predetermined direction, and, when the bow is unfolded, the pawls are releasable by means of a movement of the limbs in opposite direction to the predetermined direction for pivoting from the closed position into the open position.
 3. The folding device of claim 2, wherein securing elements, are provided for securing the limbs, when the bow is unfolded, against an undesired movement counter to the predetermined direction.
 4. The folding device of claim 3, wherein the securing elements are securing pawls.
 5. The folding device of claim 3, wherein the securing elements are configured to be pivotable independently of each other.
 6. The folding device of claim 2, wherein a spring is provided on each of the pawls, which spring exerts a pretension on each of the pawls, so that the pawls automatically latch into the closed position when the limbs are unfolded against the predetermined direction in order to secure the limbs.
 7. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the limbs are pivotable independently of each other for folding and unfolding.
 8. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the pawls are configured to be pivotable independently of each other.
 9. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the limbs are each mounted on the shaft connecting section by means of a pivotable limb receiving means.
 10. The folding device of claim 9, wherein the pawls and the securing elements are each engageable by means of a locking pin secured in the limb receiving means.
 11. The folding device of claim 10, wherein the pawls and the securing elements are each engageable by means of the same locking pin.
 12. The folding device of claim 9, wherein the limb receiving means are formed with a recess for receiving the respective limbs or locking pins.
 13. The folding device of claim 12, wherein the limb receiving means are formed at least in sections with a double-T cross-section.
 14. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the shaft connecting section for connection to a shaft of an archery weapon is formed as a hollow profile.
 15. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the shaft connecting section for connection to a shaft of an archery weapon is formed as a U-profile.
 16. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the folding device is configured for a crossbow.
 17. A method of manufacturing a folding device for an archery weapon, comprising the following manufacturing steps: providing a shaft connecting section, two limbs, two limb receiving means, two locking pins and two pawls; fixing the locking pins to the limb receiving means; pivotably linking the limb receiving means to the shaft connecting section; pivotably linking the pawls to the shaft connecting section offset from the limb receiving means such that the pawls are engageable with a respective pawl secured to the limb receiving means; and attaching the limbs to the limb receiving means.
 18. The method of manufacturing a folding device of claim 17, wherein a step of pivotally linking two securing members to the shaft connecting section is further provided such that the securing members are also engageable with a respective one of the locking pins attached to the limb receiving means.
 19. The method of manufacturing a folding device of claim 17, wherein the pawls are each placed on a first side, in particular on an inner side inside an intermediate space receiving the limb, and wherein the securing elements are each placed on a second side, in particular an outer side outside the intermediate space, of the limb receiving means.
 20. A bow weapon, comprising: a shaft; and a folding device comprising: a shaft connecting section, two limbs, each having a free end and a shaft-side end pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section, and two pawls which are each pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section, wherein the pawls are pivotably arranged in such a way that the limbs each are fixable in a closed position of the respective pawls for unfolding and/or tensioning a bow, and that the limbs are each released in an open position of the respective pawls for folding, wherein the folding device is connected to the shaft by means of the shaft connecting section. 